Türkiye is home to one of the world's richest geothermal landscapes, with more than 1,500 geothermal springs and one of Europe's most diverse thermo-mineral water resources. For thousands of years, these waters have shaped a culture of healing and wellbeing, evolving from the bathing traditions of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods into today's modern thermal resorts, rehabilitation centres and wellness facilities.
Across the country, mineral-rich waters support a wide range of evidence-informed water-based therapies. Balneotherapy uses naturally occurring thermo-mineral waters as a complementary therapy within physical medicine and rehabilitation programmes. Hydrotherapy combines warm water with guided therapeutic exercise to support mobility, rehabilitation and relaxation, while thalassotherapy harnesses the restorative qualities of seawater, marine minerals and the coastal climate. In selected thermal destinations, peloid therapy (mineral mud applications), inhalation therapy and drinking cures further enrich Türkiye's long-established thermal tradition.
From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale to the historic thermal towns of Afyonkarahisar and Bursa as well as Yalova and Kütahya, each destination offers its own distinctive geothermal character and wellness tradition. Together with the centuries-old culture of the Turkish hamam, these water-based therapies position Türkiye as a leading destination for thermal health, rehabilitation, healthy ageing (longevity) and holistic wellbeing.